What’s in store for your children in terms of careers?
Well the good news is that, given you are reading this you are either thinking or starting to consider options outside usual mainstream schooling or have already gone down that route.
It’s the end of term for the students I work with, and something I’ve noticed is their reluctance to ‘learn’. Properly learn.
Explore something, investigate, prototype, or read a range of opinions and ideas about the subject. They just want the easy answers (and these are usually found via very skewed search results on the internet). Sometimes they don’t even want that effort - and seeking out your guidance is really just for them to get their egos massaged and told they’ve done a good job - even when they haven’t.
This alarms me. There’s a very fragile generation already in the workplace - we don’t need more!
For me, the solution lies in our children learning to love learning. (This probably isn’t going to happen in mainstream school - I’ve already discussed the myriad problems within this sector and why learning often doesn’t even feature in a day at school, with all the other distractions)
Why ‘learning to love learning’?
Well the ability to learn how to learn is becoming increasingly crucial for future generations;
1. Adaptability: As industries evolve and new technologies emerge, the skills required for success are constantly shifting. Learning to learn equips individuals with the adaptability to navigate these changes.
2. Lifelong Learning: The concept of lifelong learning is gaining prominence as careers span longer periods and require continuous upskilling. Those who embrace learning as a skill in itself are better positioned to stay relevant and excel throughout their lives.
3. Problem-Solving: Learning to learn fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Instead of simply memorising information, individuals develop the capacity to analyse, and apply knowledge to solve complex challenges.
4. Resilience: Failure is an inevitable part of the learning process. By mastering the art of learning, individuals develop resilience in the face of setbacks. They learn to view failures as opportunities for growth and remain motivated to persist in their pursuit of knowledge.
5. Creativity and Innovation: Learning to learn encourages a thirst for knowledge. It empowers individuals to explore new ideas, think creatively, and innovate, driving progress and shaping the future.
Crucially though - learning and education impart more than just knowledge and skills. They also transmit the values, attitudes, and behaviours we have decided to share.
‘In simple terms, learning and education help hold together human life and civilisation as we know it. They are what we use to make our societies better for ourselves, those around us, and those who come after us.’ Learnerbly.com
One major shift we’ll all have to make is the move from viewing education as something finite to something that keeps going throughout our lives.
To face a future of constant technological change, we’ll need to adapt to continuous learning. In his book Future Shock, Alvin Toffler wrote that “the illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn and relearn.”
Important things to consider as schools, colleges and universities appear to be churning out graduates who don’t enjoy learning - but endure it to receive the bits of paper that supposedly state they are ‘intelligent enough’. Big egos and low self-esteem. A dangerous mix. Without being able to share knowledge and skills for people to benefit from, we lack shared ideas and values.
Some tips on cultivating a love of, rather than a loathe of learning for yourself or children / students!
1. Find Your Passions: Explore different subjects and activities to discover what truly interests you.
2. Set Goals: Set achievable learning goals for yourself to keep motivated and focused.
3. Stay Inquisitive: Ask questions, seek out new information from a range of sources.
4. Mix it up: Experiment with different methods such as reading, watching videos, hands-on activities, or discussions.
5. Connect with Others: Engage in discussions with peers, join clubs or online communities, and seek out mentors to share knowledge and experiences.
6. Embrace Challenges: Don't be afraid to tackle difficult subjects or concepts. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
7. Stay Open-Minded: Be open to new ideas and perspectives, even if they challenge your current beliefs or knowledge.
8. Apply Learning: Look for opportunities to apply what you've learned in real-life situations, reinforcing understanding and making learning more meaningful.
For paying subscribers here’s an additional workshop on cultivating resilience and challenge.
Thanks for reading - see you back here next week with more activities & ideas! 😊